Eddie Izzard to Star in HBO Salem Witch Trial Pilot from Jenji Kohan

Eddie Izzard has revealed that he will be one of the stars in the upcoming series from “Weeds” and “Orange is the New Black” creator Jenji Kohan. The series, which is currently in pilot mode, it tentatively titled “The Devil You Know” and will follow the infamous Salem Witch Trials.

The period drama is described as exploring the circumstances of the Salem Witch Trials in 17th century New England and the dark period in America’s history when townsfolk were often pitted against one another sending the town into a religious frenzy. In total, 19 people were hanged, an elderly man was crushed with stones and several people died in jail after being accused of witchcraft.

Izzard is set to play a Puritan farmer Thomas Putnam, the deeply conservative patriarch of the Putnam family. He is an important figure in Salem Village, but his time at the top may be short lived if he isn’t careful. Challenges come from all sides and he must be prepared to fight.

He joins Nadia Alexander, who will portray his bright young daughter, Ann Putnam Jr. and Ismenia Mendes who will portray Mercy Lewis, a captive servant girl who must rely on inner strength to survive.

The series is being co-written by Kohan, Bruce Miller and Tracy Miller and directed by Gus Van Sant. Production on the pilot is set to begin in Boston sometime this spring.

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